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Our skin controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection. When it is burned, our skin loses these capabilities.

Burns on fingers and hands are not usually dangerous, but any burn will cause swelling. In fact, burns of the face and neck can produce enough inflammation to cause difficulty breathing and restrict blood flow. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or a numbing sensation in your extremities, call for medical assistance immediately.

How to Deal with Chemical Burns

Many chemical burns occur accidentally through misuse of products such as those for hair, skin, and nail care or commonly used cleaning products. With minor chemical burns you can take the following steps to treat them:

* Remove the chemicals by flushing the affected area with cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. If the burning chemical is a powder-like substance, brush it off the skin before flushing. . *Remove any clothing that has been contaminated by the chemical.

*Apply a cool, wet cloth to relieve pain and wrap the burned area loosely with a dry, sterile dressing.

*Rewash the burned area for more tiem if the burning sensation heightens after the initial washing.

But when the burn is severe or causes symptoms such as shock, fainting, paleness or shallow breathing, you must seek medical attention immediately. Also seek out medical attention if the burn has caused a second degree burn or covers an area more than three inches in diameter, if the burn has occurred on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint or if over-the-counter drugs cannot control the pain.

Controlling Electrical Burns

External electrical shock is what causes electrical burns. They may seem minor, but the destruction can extend deep into the body's tissues. Strong electrical currents can cause internal damage, such as a heart rhythm disturbance or heart attacks.

You should always seek out medical attention immediately when a person has suffered this type of burn. While you are waiting for help to arrive, follow the steps detailed below.

The first steps to helping someone who has experienced a chemical burn are quite simple: look first and then touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Next, turn off the source of electricity or move it away from the injured person using a non conducting object.

Then, check for breathing and a pulse. If absent, begin CPR right away. Finally prevent shock by keeping their legs elevated and protect the damaged area with a sterile cloth, if available. Do not use a towel or blanket to cover the wound because loose thread could get stuck to the wound.

How to treat Scars from Chemical and Electrical Burns

It is highly probable that chemical and electrical burns will leave scars. There are different treatment alternatives in these cases ranging from creams to surgery.

Given that scars become less elastic, they limit our normal range of motion leading to pain and frustration. Lotions can help hydrate the scarred tissue and stimulate the dissolution of old scars. In some cases,however, scar removal through surgical procedures is necessary.